Reese Family

On Saturday Nov. 19th we went with the Women of Georgia to the mountain villages around Dusheti to deliver wheel chairs. First we stopped in Dusheti and met with several people who came there to pick up their chairs. This is the mother of 5 year old twins - one of the boys is disabled and is so excited to get a wheel chair!

Next we all got into the big van - now the adventure begins! At one point we had 13 people and 2 big boxes with wheel chairs in here! As we got to different areas - the governor for that area would get in the van and show us where to go.

Because the people live so far from Dusheti, we would go to thier homes to deliver the chairs. Here is E. Reese with a man who had a stroke several years ago - his patient wife is so happy to have a chair for him. They know we are coming and their homes are spotless with a small bowl of fruit on the table.

This was my favorite delivery. We hiked down a hill to a small home - again spotlessly clean and neat. This lovely lady was laying in bed in the middle of the main room with 2 teenage daughters quietly looking on. You could tell that they lovingly took care of her. 8 years ago she fell out of a tree and lost the use of her legs. Now she will be able to get around in her home and on the patio.......

where we saw these bright red pepers hanging! Of course I needed a picture of them - the father saw us taking the picture and ran over and took down a strand to give to us. I've learned you can't say no - we just smiled and graciously took them. The next day we added one to an egg, potato meat scramble and WOW - they were hot!!!

Some of the homes we were not able to get to - so they would meet us on the road. Here is a young boy sitting on his sisters lap - she helps take care of him. The chair is being loaded into the trunk by mom and dad.

Of course no give away is complete without the 'Thank you' meal. There was a little woodstove in the cornor keeping us warm as they kept bringing in more and more yummy georgian food. We also had our 'Tamada' (toast master) singing our praises and telling stories. Then everyone around the table would give a toast. E. Reese gave a lovely little speech - he is getting quiet good at this.

It's hard to explain the joy and the heartache that is felt as we give a chair to a family that is not only tring to survive on next to nothing - but also has a disabled member to take care of. Their homes are so humble, most without running water and small outhouse bathrooms outside. I am amazed with how they survive and so grateful to be able to provide them with some help. They thank us - but we are the ones that are thankful to have a glimpse of what life is like for others.
We are truly rich - we have the gospel, good health, homes with heat and running water. What we all have in common is the love of family - so important here in Georgia and in the US!